Cover credit – Instagram @wfbvbasketball
The William Floyd boys’ varsity basketball team is playing for someone special this season as they honor the life and memory of Darrel Sumpter. The late assistant coach tragically passed away in December. The team decided that moving forward they would dedicate the season in his honor.
The Colonials are led by fourth-year head coach Will Slinkosky who is assisted by Peter Friedman courtside. William Floyd is part of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPSHAA) and competes in League I. The boys finished the regular season with a 17-3 record.
Earlier this month, the Colonials earned their third consecutive League I championship with a 72-64 win over Brentwood. Winning hits different when you’re playing for more than just yourself. Sumpter was an integral part of the boys’ basketball program at William Floyd. His calm demeanor brought balance to the team and helped them during stressful gametime moments.
Back in January, the Sayville boys’ basketball program stepped up and hosted the Colonials for a joint team dinner to honor the beloved coach. The act of generosity did not go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated by those who were part of the special evening. Sayville Booster Club member Laura Skelly was the organizer of it all in conjunction with coach Slinkosky.
“The boys all agreed that it was a great moment for us to show support as a basketball community. Suffolk County basketball came together for a great cause, and we were happy that Sayville could be a part of it. The guys also believe that by sharing in that moment it was significant because they would like to think that other teams would do the same if something unfortunate happened to them,” said Sayville head coach Joe Harclerode.
Sumpter was a well-known coach and friend in the high school boys’ basketball community. His impact goes further than just the program at William Floyd who had the honor of learning from him.
Prior to their matchup with Central Islip, the Colonials honored five players for senior night. Three guards and two forwards will graduate this spring and move on from the William Floyd boys’ varsity basketball team. Jermaine King Jr., Jawuan Smith, Geo Alvarez, Dahmarion Moses, and Adam Gulsen were recognized in the longtime school tradition.
The Colonials three losses this season came against Elmont, St. Dominics, and Half Hollow Hills East. Truthfully, the losses were close scoring, and it was only a matter of a few points. Nonetheless, the Colonials didn’t let it affect them and went on an 11-game win streak following the back-to-back losses.
William Floyd’s county playoff run will go through the AAA bracket in the third seed this season. Being a higher seed, they bypassed round one and are awaiting the winner of Newfield/Ward Melville. For now, they have plenty of time to practice and get ready to go before they play again on February 27. The matchup for this round of the playoffs will take place at Longwood High School.
The boys checked one thing off their list this season with a League I championship in their possession, but there’s still more to go with county playoffs underway.
As Darrel Sumpter once said, “You earned this, take what you deserve.”
